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What capability does a single nuclear weapon possess?

  1. To incapacitate a military battalion

  2. To cause serious destruction to vital infrastructure

  3. To destroy or seriously disable an entire city

  4. To affect only a localized area with limited impact

The correct answer is: To destroy or seriously disable an entire city

A single nuclear weapon possesses the capability to destroy or seriously disable an entire city due to the immense explosive power and resulting devastation it can cause upon detonation. The blast radius, thermal radiation, and subsequent fallout from a nuclear explosion have effects that extend far beyond the immediate impact zone. This means that not only does the weapon destroy buildings and infrastructure within the city limits, but it also renders large areas uninhabitable, resulting in significant loss of life, long-term health risks from radiation exposure, and considerable economic disruption. The scope of a nuclear weapon's impact is such that it encompasses both immediate destruction and long-term consequences for the environment and population. Therefore, the assertion that a single nuclear weapon can destroy or significantly disable an entire city aligns with the historical understanding of nuclear weapons effects, as experienced in past events.